Gone but not

GREENFIELD — Though Christina Kellermeier wasn’t there to celebrate her May 5 birthday, her third-grade classmates remembered her by dressing in pink, her favorite color.

Christina would have been 10 years old. She died Oct. 19 after a lengthy battle with brain cancer, but her classmates have conducted regular fundraiser events to honor her memory.

Donations to the Christina Kellermeier Fund bought Christina’s classmates at J.B. Stephens Elementary School a chance to wear pajamas or a hat or bring a stuffed animal to class on her birthday, teacher Christi Leininger said in an email.

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Christi Leininger's third grade class wore pink to celebrate the May 5 birthday of Christina Kellermeier, their late classmate who died of brain cancer in Oct. 2015. Submitted

Third graders at J.B. Stephens Elementary School wore pink to celebrate the May 5 birthday of Christina Kellermeier, their late classmate who died of brain cancer in Oct. 2015. Submitted

Christi Leininger's third grade class at J.B. Stephens Elementary donated to the Christina Kellermeier Fund in order to wear hats or pajamas, or bring a stuffed animal to class, on the May 5 birthday of their late classmate. Submitted

The fund, organized through the Hancock County Community Foundation, will benefit J.B. Stephens students in need.

Before winter break this year, third-grade classes and staff raised more than $1,000 to go toward the $15,000 endowment fund, which will furnish two $750 grants per year for the school.

The fund doesn’t have a designated purpose yet, but Christina’s mother, Lori Gossett, envisions a project she calls Christina’s Closet, which would provide clothes to students in need.

What better way to honor the outgoing little girl who dreamed of being a fashion designer?

“She had her own very unique style,” her mother said. “She loved clothes, soft clothes, bright and flamboyant — not necessarily what everyone else wore. … It’s fitting that her classmates will be able to remember her and give back in that way.”

How to help

Donations to the Christina Kellermeier Fund should be sent to Hancock County Community Foundation, 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, IN 46140.